An impressive opening for Marion County area athletes in the high school portion of the 2012 Drake Relays on Thursday was met with a fitting end on Saturday as a relay team and an individual each closed out the marquee track and field event with strong performances.

The Pella High boys Shuttle Hurdle Relay team of Tukker Bogaard, Taylor Cox, Kenny DuPre and Jace Versteeg finished second in their heat at an even 60 seconds to finish 11th overall. The finale was provided by PCM’s Jordan Van Roekel, one of only eight high schoolers in the state selected to compete in the 400 Meter Hurdles. Clocking a 54.35, 36-one-hundredths of a second faster than his previous best this season, Van Roekel crossed the finish line in fifth place.

With the Drake Relays now behind them, local athletes have their conference meets fast approaching, with District meets – and a chance to return to the famed Blue Oval in Des Moines – right on the horizon.